Why I Installed Pandan and ScreenZen

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how I spend my time, especially when it comes to my devices. Like many of us, I’ve found myself trapped in cycles of mindless scrolling—reaching for Instagram or X when I feel bored, overwhelmed, or even when I just need a quick dopamine hit. These moments, though small, add up. They take me further from my goals and leave me feeling frustrated with myself.

So a few days ago, I decided to make a change. I downloaded two apps—Pandan and ScreenZen—with the hope that they’ll help me use my devices more intentionally. It’s a small first step, but one I’m optimistic about as I look toward 2025, a year I want to dedicate to focus, growth, and staying aligned with my personal values.

Why I Needed a Change

For years, I’ve struggled with the tension between productivity and distraction. Whether it’s aimlessly scrolling on social media or staying too long at my desk without breaks, I’ve often felt like my time wasn’t truly my own. But 2025 feels like a turning point. I want to approach the new year with intention and focus my time and energy on the things that really matter and are in alignment with my goals:

• Improving skills in AI and crypto (growing my portfolio!)

• Exploring creative projects like developing my own apps (using AI coding tools), writing, blogging etc.

• Taking care of my mental and physical well-being!

I know these goals require focus, and that means breaking some old habits. That’s where Pandan and ScreenZen come in.

How I’m Using Pandan

Pandan is a time-awareness app designed to help you track your active computer usage. It doesn’t interrupt or nag—it simply makes you aware of how long you’ve been at your desk. For me, this is a game-changer. I’m using Pandan to:

• Notice when I’ve been at my computer too long without a break.

• Create moments of reflection throughout my day by pausing to ask myself: “Am I still on track with my goals, or have I drifted into distraction?”

• Avoid burnout by integrating short mindfulness practices, like a few deep breaths or a quick stretch, during natural breaks in my workflow.

The potential here isn’t just about managing time—it’s about regaining control over how I spend my mental energy.

How I’m Using ScreenZen

ScreenZen is tackling a different but equally important challenge: my phone habits. It’s an app that inserts intentional pauses before you open apps like Instagram or Twitter. This tiny pause is proving to be a powerful moment for me. I’m using it to:

• Interrupt the habit loop of reaching for my phone when I’m bored or anxious.

• Ask myself: “What am I looking for here? Connection, entertainment, or just distraction?”

• Replace moments of mindless scrolling with something more meaningful—like writing down a quick goal, doing a one-minute breathing exercise, or simply sitting still for a moment.

ScreenZen feels less like a strict “no” and more like a gentle “why,” helping me reflect on my actions without guilt.

What I Hope to Achieve

As someone who has struggled with maintaining balance and focus, I’m excited about the potential of these apps to support my goals.

I want 2025 to be the year I:

• Stop feeling like my days are slipping through my fingers.

• Reclaim my energy for the things that inspire and challenge me, like exploring AI and crypto, writing personal reflections, and deepening my mindfulness practices.

• Build habits that align with the person I want to become.

These apps won’t magically solve everything, but they’re tools to help me pause, reflect, and realign throughout my day.

Why You Should Try Them

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by how much time you spend on your devices, or if you’ve struggled to balance productivity and rest, I encourage you to give these apps a try:

• Pandan: A time-awareness app to track computer activity.

• ScreenZen: A phone productivity app that adds mindful pauses before opening apps.

They’re not about restriction—they’re about empowerment. With the right tools, we can all take small steps toward a more intentional and fulfilling life.

What I saw today:

Today, I delved into a fascinating video dissecting the nuances of scaling AI in businesses. Here's what stood out:

1. Shifting from Proof-of-Concept to Real-World Use: Companies are moving past experimentation to fully integrated AI solutions. Telecom leads the charge, while heavily regulated industries like banking are taking cautious steps.

2. Priorities in AI Applications: The current focus is on internal efficiency gains, like automation. Customer-facing innovations, such as hyper-personalization, remain untapped potential.

3. Challenges in Execution: Data quality and aligning AI with real-world problems—not just shiny tech—are the biggest hurdles. Success requires bridging the gap between business needs and technological possibilities.

4. Workplace Transformation: AI is poised to reshape jobs—some will vanish, others will evolve, and entirely new roles will emerge. The emphasis? Upskilling and adaptability.

5. Practical Approaches: Companies succeeding in AI stick to what works: embracing experimentation, balancing quick wins with infrastructure investment, and ensuring transparency.

The big takeaway? AI isn't just a tool; it's a strategic partner. Businesses willing to experiment, adapt, and prioritize meaningful impact are those set to thrive.

What I listened to today:

What I liked today:

What I learned today:

RAG Agents: RAG stands for "Retrieval-Augmented Generation". This is a technique in which an AI model retrieves data from an external source (such as a database or the web) and uses it to provide better answers.

Random Thoughts:

Happy New Year! 🎆

That’s it for today! ☺️

_{This article represents my work and perspective, developed with research and writing assistance from using AI.}